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Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2015 10:41 pm
by Ouch
I'm trying to mix concrete using a mini-mix type mixer: I put 3 bags of 'all in' ballast into a wetted (or just used) mixer (each bag being 25kg), and then half a bag (12.5kg) of cement. Switch it on, then add water once the dry mix is even looking.
I'm finding that after adding water and letting it churn for a bit, the gravel seems to rise to the 'top' and the the sand stay stuck around the drum. What am I doing wrong? Am I mixing it too long? Not long enough? Should I add the components a bit at a time? Water first? Align the mixer with my nearest lay-line?
Any tips for a concretey novice welcome.. thanks..
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2015 12:41 am
by lutonlagerlout
yes wrong mate
correct method is
1 mixer on!
2 third- half bucket of water
3 4-5 shovels of ballast
4 half bag of cement
5 remaining ballast
6 add extra water as needed for correct slump
7 tip into barrow and lay
dont worry I did this on my first day on a building site back in 1983 and got bollocked for it :;):
LLL
Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2015 7:42 am
by Ouch
I'll consider myself bollocked then 
thanks!
Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2015 9:37 am
by Tony McC
Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 8:33 pm
by Forestboy1978
Mixing mortar for hand grouting is the one I find a PITA. I don't think I'll ever do it again, so easy to **** up peoples patios.
Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 9:43 pm
by KAMIKAZEE DIY
Forest boy,
I recently repointed/grouted my dad's patio.
I used a plasterers paddle mixer stuck on a drill and mixed in a bucket.
Measured my 3 sand 1 cement in a measuring jug to get consistent colour and got on fine.
Just a little bit water at a time to get it right,
Think mixing just a buckets worth at a time helped me coz mortar was still fresh by time I got too bottom of bucket.
This saved my dad a fair bit cash compared to using weatherpoint 365, but, it was time consuming and I can see the sense why contractors seem keen on weatherpoint.
Still it's good to held your dad out, he's done plenty for me.
Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2015 9:53 pm
by Forestboy1978
KAMIKAZEE DIY wrote:Forest boy,
I recently repointed/grouted my dad's patio.
I used a plasterers paddle mixer stuck on a drill and mixed in a bucket.
Measured my 3 sand 1 cement in a measuring jug to get consistent colour and got on fine.
Just a little bit water at a time to get it right,
Think mixing just a buckets worth at a time helped me coz mortar was still fresh by time I got too bottom of bucket.
This saved my dad a fair bit cash compared to using weatherpoint 365, but, it was time consuming and I can see the sense why contractors seem keen on weatherpoint.
Still it's good to held your dad out, he's done plenty for me.
Good info. I'll def do that next time, if there is a next time.
God I hate that job though, of all of them, that's the one!